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The Rise of Kaiser Wilhelm II
Kaiser Wilhelm II worked towards leadership for two years, forcing the previous leader, Otto von Bismarck, to resign before becoming leader of Germany in 1888. He was particularly enthusiastic about the German army, citing it as his passion. It was Wilhelm that allowed the treaty with Russia to decline, resulting in the French and Russian alliance. He attempted to create a navy equal to that of Great Britain’s, investing heavily in shipbuilding, alarming the British and inadvertently inducing th -
Alliance of Russia and France
In 1890, Kaiser Wilhem II allowed Germany’s treaty with Russia to lapse. In 1892 and 1894, as a direct result, Russia became a defensive military ally to France, drafting the first editions of this treaty on August 17. 1892. The alliance was finalized on the 4th of January, 1892. Germany, having tried to isolate France, was wary of this alliance as the country lay between Russia and France. -
The Creation of the Triple Alliance
In 1879, Germany allied with Austria-Hungary in an attempt to isolate France. This arose from the fear that France may attack out of vengeance for the loss of the France-Prussian war. In May of 1882, Italy joined the alliance, forming the Triple Alliance. Through the duration of World War I, this alliance was known as the Central Powers. -
European Arms Race and Militarism
Militarism represents the exaltation of military and war, and the constant or vigilant preparation for war. This occurred in the majority of Europe, though by some as odd, as each country would endorse and promote peace but at the same time seek to make their military stronger than others’. Countries worked to make mobilization efficient in case of war, and a strong military represented a strong nation. By 1914, Great Britain was the only major power lacking a powerful military. -
Creation of the Triple Entente
Alarmed by Germany’s quickly growing navy, Britain created an entente with France. The agreement stated that while Britain did not have to fight by the side of France, it would not go to war with the country either. In 1907, Britain drew up a similar entente with allied powers Russia and France, effectively establishing the Triple Entente. -
Austria Annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 1908, Austria claimed Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their populations consisted highly of Slavic peoples. This, combined with the Balkan location, angered Serbia, who had sought after the territories, only serving to aggravate the already tense relationship. -
The Assasination of Archducke Ferdinand
On June 28, 1914, the Austria-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were assassinated on a tour through the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. Both were shot by 19 year old Gavrilo Pricip, a member of the Serbian extremist group the Black Hand. Austria-Hungary immediately attributed the attack to the Serbian government and Serbia as a whole, sparking a war between the two, and in extension, a war between their allies. -
The First Declaration of War
On July 28th, 1914, the month after the assasination of their archduke, Austrian-Hungary declares war on Serbia, after they failed to meet all of the country’s demands in response to the Archduke’s assassination. Serbia’s ally, Russia, began mobilizing troops to Austria-Hungary the same day, eager to protect their allied country. -
Great Britain Declares War on Germany
In accordance with the Schlieffen Plan, Germany attempted to reach and attack France as quickly as possible. The fastest way to reach France was to cross through Belgium, a neutral country. Great Britain had promised the neutrality of Belgium, and upon hearing of Germany’s conquest, demanded that they withdraw. When Germany did not comply, Great Britain deployed their troops and declared war on August 4th, 1914. -
Sides are Taken
Germany and Austria-Hungary (and briefly Italy) are known as the Central Powers. They oppose the Allied Forces (also known as the Allied Powers), consisting of France, Russia, and Great Britain.
